Chicago’s much-loved Shedd Aquarium opened on May 30, 1930 as the first inland aquarium with both salt- and fresh-water habitats. Since then, the aquarium has expanded its offerings to include community outreach and education initiatives, and it functions as a vital landmark in the community, with nearly two million visitors from around the world each year.1

Shedd offers a variety of innovative work-study programs for teens. JPMorgan Chase is committed to job skills training, and prioritizes for initiatives that provide job experience and career exposure to local teens.

Charlie C., vice president, Corporate Responsibility said, “JPMorgan Chase’s partnership with Shedd enables us to strengthen work-readiness skills in young people who need that help the most.” This work-study program is just one area where JPMorgan Chase has partnered with Shedd Aquarium over the course of their 19-year relationship.

The Green Gardeners, Shedd Ambassadors and Young Naturalists programs each provide different skills training for participants. In the Green Gardeners program, they dive into sustainable gardening, while Shedd Ambassadors master the guest experience. The Young Naturalists engage guests with stories about the fauna on display at the museum.

Attia G., a Hammond Academy of Science and Technology student, participated in the 2013 program. She spent the season engaging visitors about the differences between the Pacific Northwest’s oceanic habitats and creatures versus those in Philippine coral reefs. Attia and her fellow naturalists attended additional workshops, training and local fieldtrips, which helped to broaden her mind to new opportunities and careers.

“It was invigorating,” Attia said. “It was like looking into the looking glass to see what the future could be. One day I also want to start my own nonprofit program for disadvantaged communities and open the underwater world to children of all ages.”